{"biography":"Roy A. Dawson is the Republican candidate for District Court Judge in North Carolina\u2019s 9th Judicial District, a race slated for November 3, 2026. The 9th Judicial District covers Lenoir, Wayne, and Greene counties, and the judge presides over civil, criminal, and family matters arising in those counties [7][9].\n\nDawson\u2019s personal story is one of perseverance. He left high school early, later earned a degree from the University of North Carolina School of Law, and entered the legal profession after working a variety of jobs in kitchens, garages, warehouses, and delivery trucks. Today he describes himself as a trial lawyer, small\u2011business owner, husband, father, and youth\u2011soccer coach in Kinston, North Carolina [7].\n\nProfessionally, Dawson has more than a decade of courtroom experience as a practicing attorney. He has handled a wide range of cases, gaining the practical litigation skills he says will inform his work on the bench. In addition to his legal practice, he runs a small business and remains active in his community through coaching youth soccer and other local engagements [9][7].\n\nDawson\u2019s campaign emphasizes integrity, a real\u2011world perspective, and a practical approach to justice. He argues that his diverse life and work experiences give him a unique ability to understand the people who appear before the court. His stated goals include keeping local courtrooms fair, accessible, and grounded in dignity and respect for all participants [7][9].\n\nIf elected, Dawson would bring his courtroom experience and community\u2011focused outlook to the district court, seeking to apply the law with both rigor and empathy for the citizens of Lenoir, Wayne, and Greene counties.\n\n## Sources\n- [7] [Roy A. Dawson for District Court Judge](https://www.royforjudge.com/)\n- [9] [Attorney Roy A. Dawson has officially filed to run for District ...](https://www.facebook.com/neusenews/posts/attorney-roy-a-dawson-has-officially-filed-to-run-for-district-court-judge-in-no/882223347668509/)","campaigns":[{"contest":"district_court_judge_dist_009_seat_01","county":null,"county_count":0,"electiondate":"Tue, 03 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMT","pgr":"general","state":"NC","title":"Nc District Court Judge District 09 Seat 01"}],"cf_filings":[],"firstname":"Roy","fullname":"Roy Arnold Dawson","lastname":"Dawson","middlename":"Arnold","office_history":[{"campaigns":[{"contest":"district_court_judge_dist_009_seat_01","contest_title":"Nc District Court Judge District 09 Seat 01","county":null,"county_count":0,"electiondate":"2026-11-03","office_county":null,"office_key":"district_court_judge","office_title":"District Court Judge","party":"REP","pgr":"general","state":"NC"}],"county":null,"cycles":[{"general":{"contest":"district_court_judge_dist_009_seat_01","contest_title":"Nc District Court Judge District 09 Seat 01","county":null,"county_count":0,"electiondate":"2026-11-03","office_county":null,"office_key":"district_court_judge","office_title":"District Court Judge","party":"REP","pgr":"general","state":"NC"},"party":"REP","primary":null,"term":null,"year":2026}],"office_key":"district_court_judge","office_title":"District Court Judge","state":"NC","terms":[]}],"summary":"Roy A. Dawson, a Republican trial lawyer and community activist, is running for District Court Judge in North Carolina\u2019s 9th Judicial District in 2026.","terms":[],"token":"06606332f2be0b6e"}